Panini America Goes Back to Cali, Catches Up with Kobe Bryant and His Autographs
Good things tend to happen for collectors when Panini America Memorabilia Business Manager Brian Bayne takes a trip. And Bayne just returned this morning from a whirlwind weekend in Los Angeles.
While there, Bayne rubbed elbows with superstar company spokesman Kobe Bryant and then took in last night’s stirring Drew League-Goodman League basketball game featuring fellow Panini America exclusive athletes Kevin Durant, John Wall and Derrick Williams.
Later this week we’ll profile a few huge breaking Panini Authentic developments stemming from the basketball game, during which Wall and Durant combined for 105 points. But for now, we’ll focus on the quality time Bayne spent with Kobe over the weekend.
You can see the fruits of Bayne’s and Kobe’s work in the gallery below, which details just some of the cards Kobe signed. The session turned out to be rather historic, as Kobe signed every last one of his outstanding autographs. All that remains now are three cards from 2009-10 Donruss Elite Basketball and one from 2010-11 National Treasures — all four of which are in the process of being remade as we speak.
Once those are completed, Bayne will likely be on another plane headed for California. But like we said, good things happen for collectors when Bayne travels.
The Knight's Lance 
Im Going Going, Back Back, To Cali Cali
Nice. When are we going to see some new cards of Kobe?
Good question. Nothing to report just yet but stay tuned.
Hey Tracy do you know when John Wall does an autograph session, ive got a redemption for him in the National Treasures and I’m wondering about when he’s gonna sign it?
Let me see what I can find out.
Which NT card had to be remade cuz im waiting on a Century sig kobe auto from it.
The NBA Gear Laundry Tag Combos Signatures.
Ok Thanks, Do you know when they will start sending out the NT Kobe autos?
Are the cards pictured the only ones he autographed? I am still waiting on one from 2010-11 Rookies and Stars but I keep seeing all these other later released cards getting signed. What’s the deal with that anyway?
Let me look into it, Brad.
Thank you Tracy.
Any info on the 2010-11 Rookies and Stars Signature card, Tracy? Thanks and I look forward to hearing back from you.
KOBE>>>>>>>SICK.
When will the 24k autos be shipped?
I would assume all of the autos procured this weekend will be sent out within a week to 10 days.
HEy did Kobe say if he was excited to meet me? Its not everyday a superstar like Kobe gets to meet a big time barber from Columbus Ohio like myself. Ha ha, i cant wait!!!!!!!!
He was beside himself! 🙂 We need to get that meet-and-greet scheduled.
I know we do, im so excited Tracy! Ive been a huge Kobe fan since 2000 and i cant believe im going to actually get to meet him! My daughters and i watch him play whenever the Lakers games are on T.V. Ray-Ray and Kaylee were almost excited as me when we pulled it.
Very excited for you man, seems like a real feel good story! Make sure Panini does right by you and organize some cool activity like meeting him at a basketball court or a nice lunch/dinner or something. You don’t want a 5 min meet an greet, that ain’t worth $20,000!!! Have fun and please report, take pics!
what about his dual auto with phil jackson?
Good question. I didn’t see that one on the list I had. I’ll see what I can find out.
Very sick Kobe autos!
OMG, almost makes me wish I had a Kobe redemption coming to me. Now, with the NBA season at an apocalyptic moment there should be no excuse for these dudes to sign their IOU’s. Surprisingly, all of my redemptions are from football and hockey but do have a Cheryl Miller auto redemption. I guess I have just been lucky with the NBA autos. Hope I can one of those Kobe’s in the near future.
Ahhh hell yeah. Hopefully he signed some balls . Feel free to send 24/24 (i only joking ‘m not that fussy) . Good to see these guys get some time during the lockout to catch up! Now Authentics just needs to sign up someone from the Celtics..
Well now i’m on my pc i can see he signed balls :D, (up yours iphone).
Awesome!
Tracy do you know how the outstanding Durant National Treasures Redemptions are coming? Did he do any signing with Pannini at the game?
I’m wondering the same thing
How about you send the “repo” man after the rest of the redemptions? I can’t believe you have to send a guy after these stars in order for them to fulfill their contracts.
AH!…it’s finally here. What if I jus requested a replacement for the Limited Kobe Jumbo Signatures? Do i still get it or are they sending me something else?
I’ll check with CS and see what I can find out.
Ah, wish I was in the position of obtaining autographs and being able to chat with the stars while authenticating the autographs. If you ever need someone to sit there while any Blazers or Seahawks sign some stuff, let me know!